Dussehra 2019: Why is Kolkata the place to be in for the festival?

If someone wants to experience the real feel of Dussehra, then Kolkata is actually the place to be in. In 'The City of Joy', Goddess Durga is worshipped a lot more than other Gods and hence Durga Puja is celebrated much more than Dussehra there.

Both the festivals signify the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated in Kolkata with elephant processions, the immersion of Goddess Durga idols, burning effigies of Ravana and his brothers Kumbhakaran and Meghnad. Here is more about some of the famous places in Kolkata where the festival is celebrated wildly.

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Dussehra celebrations in Kolkata

Importance of the festival:

Vijayadashmi is celebrated with processions and Goddess Durga’s idol is dipped in many water bodies. Devotees bid farewell to the Goddess on this day. The day is also famous for shows such as ‘Dhaak’ and ‘Dhanuchi’. These shows are prominently held after the Maha Aarti of Durga Maa. Woman dress up in traditional sarees and perform the famous Sindoor Khela by smearing sindoor or vermillion powder on each other. As a result, Durga Puja in Kolkata is celebrated with tremendous joy and worship.

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It is all about music & colours:

Overcrowded streets and delicious cuisine form an important part of the festival in Kolkata. One can also enjoy delightful music, dance and participate in fairs during this time of the year in the city. The experience is very much comparable to what Ganesh Chaturthi is in Mumbai. 

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Beautiful Pandals:

The pandals that are put up during Durga Puja in Kolkata are a visual delight. One can find more than 3000 pandals in Kolkata. The preparations for these pandals begin three to four months prior to the festival. Some of the most famous pandals in Kolkata are in Kumurtuli Park, Suruchi Sangha, Jodhpur Park, College Square and Bagbazaar.

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Sweets and food:

This festive season is a food lover’s paradise. The streets of Kolkata are filled with snacks that one cannot afford to miss. While the other parts of the country follow a vegetarian diet during this period, you can find plenty of non-vegetarian food in Kolkata. Bengali sweets like Rasogulla and Sandesh are mouth-watering and irresistible for anyone. In case you missed the grand celebrations this year, make sure to experience Durga Puja in Kolkata at least once in your lifetime.

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